Shaky start by Romo, defense; Sensabaugh injured

SAN DIEGO – The Cowboys have struggled in the early going against the Chargers tonight.

Tony Romo threw his first interception of the preseason when he tried to hit Miles Austin over the middle, a turnover that the Chargers converted into a 11-play, 40-yard scoring drive capped by Philips Rivers’ 1-yard quarterback sneak that gave San Diego a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

The march, which consummed 6:14, included a fourth down conversion that saw Rivers hit Antonio Gates for a 7-yard gain.

Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh walked off the field under his own power early in the drive after he suffered a shoulder injury. His return is questionable.

Free agent rookie Barry Church replaced Sensabaugh.

Dallas is lucky it’s not trailing by more. After taking the opening kickoff, San Diego marched to the Cowboys 13. But after Anthony Spencer dropped Rivers for a 6-yard loss, Rivers was intercepted by Pro Bowl corner Terence Newman.

After his TD sneak, Rivers appeared to be engaged in some trash talk with Spencer.